Cover

Learning Commons: Evolution and Collaborative Essentials

Copyright

Contents

List of figures, tables and box

Preface

About the authors

1 From Information Commons to Learning Commons and learning spaces: an evolutionary context

The evolution of the Commons conception

Campus advancement of library centrality

Learning space design elements

Learning assessment principles

References

Additional reading

2 Circle of service: a collaborative Information Commons planning model

Introduction

Scenario for change

Commons emerging from larger transformation processes

Surfacing the Commons concept

General issues

Preliminary planning (or getting the party started)

Creating a vision and guiding principles

The circle of service model

Proof of concept budgetary strategy

Creating the buzz

Early indicators of success

The Commons – phase two

Focused planning

Agreements and policies

The circle of service spreads

Research and inspiring spaces

Planning for the virtual Commons

Extending the circle of service

Notes

Appendix A

Planning checklist

Appendix B

Planning collaborative spaces in libraries I.Q. (institutional quotient)

3 The Information Commons at the University of Calgary: building on collaboration – a case study

Introduction

Background

Lesson 1: review and preparation pay off

Lesson 2: include all partners from the beginning of planning

Lesson 3: focus your planning on user needs Lesson

Lesson 4: take time to build relationships

Lesson 5: hire the expertise you need to get the job done, do not try to do it all yourself

Lesson 6: communication, communication, communication

Lesson 7: if you can’t find what you want, create your own Lesson

Lesson 8: make the space comfortable, do not cheap out

Lesson 9: keep control of the features of your space that will allow you to meet the goals of your plan

Lesson 10: allow the users to choose their own space for their own use

Lesson 11: leadership is necessary at all levels

Lesson 12: be prepared to change and to create new service models

Lesson 13: technology is not the driver of the service model but rather reflects the service goals

Lesson 14: be prepared to evaluate and change your plans once operations have begun

Lesson 15: have a collaborative operational process in place that includes the opportunity for problem solving and decision-making

Lesson 16: ensure continuous learning among staff and students alike

Lesson 17: pay attention to the service, be ready to change

Future of the commons: the Taylor Family Digital Library

Conclusion

References and further reading

Appendix A

Information Commons Planning Document

Desired outcome: skills

Desired outcome: information

Desired outcome: support

Desired outcome: access to facilities

Planning document further reading

Appendix B

Information Commons Student Navigator Position

Computer competencies required

Other competencies required

Appendix C

Information Commons feedback University of Calgary

4 Building for learning: synergy of space, technology and collaboration

Overview of Cal State San Marcos

The library

Objectives for the new library

Technology objectives

Building a Learning Commons

The new library

Library-wide technology and learning

Support for learning: reference services

Support for learning: the information literacy program

Support for learning: microforms and media library

Distributed support for learning

Technology support structure

Changes and lessons learned

References and further reading

Appendix A

Cal State San Marcos Library’s technology planning process

Appendix B

Use of supporting documents to justify classroom design

Appendix C

Policy for the use of Instruction Labs in Kellogg Library

Appendix D

Laptop checkout policy Student Technology Help Desk

5 The Saltire Centre and the Learning Commons concept

Background information on Glasgow Caledonian University

The Saltire Centre first year review

Satisfaction with library services

Create a campus hub

Integrate student services

Create a variety of study places

Store and access information in efficient ways

Conclusion and next steps

References and further reading

6 Transforming library space for student learning: the Learning Commons at Ohio University’s Alden Library

Project background and conceptual framework

Program components

Anticipated educational benefits

Planning process: a journey from mutual suspicion to successful collaboration

Outcomes

Next steps: creating a Faculty Commons

Conclusion

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

7 Supporting the Learning Commons concept in ‘real life’

Introduction

Educational technology: the birth of a new support organisation

Learning Commons stories

New presentation technologies: supporting traditional learning environments with new technologies

TECH Desk pilot: technology expert consulting hours

Technology for team-based learning: supporting transformational change in an innovative space

Looking to the future

References

8 Putting learners at the centre: the Learning Commons journey at Victoria University

Introduction

The Victoria University context

Direction of the university

The planning process

Reflections on progress to date and where do we go next?

Notes

References

9 Improving student life, learning and support through collaboration, integration and innovation

Engineering student success through critical partnerships

Planning the library’s West Commons

Life in the West Commons: a general productivity centre for individual learners coupled with a multimedia studio1

General productivity centre in the West Commons

Multimedia studio of the West Commons

Impact of the West Commons

The East Commons: an experiment in refreshment of mind and body2

Collaboration, oversight and assessment in the Commons

Notes

10 The Information Commons at the University of Auckland; improving student life, learning and support through co-location, collaboration, integration and innovation

Introduction

The Information Commons Group

The Kate Edger Information Commons

Service model

Collaboration

Outcomes

Transformation and repositioning

Future challenges

Conclusion

Note

References

11 Beyond Facebook: thinking of the Learning Commons as a social network

Library as Human

History

Libraries as Learning Commons

Learning Commons as ‘idea store’

Conclusion

Notes

Index

Cover

Learning Commons: Evolution and Collaborative Essentials

Copyright

Contents

List of figures, tables and box

Preface

About the authors

1 From Information Commons to Learning Commons and learning spaces: an evolutionary context

2 Circle of service: a collaborative Information Commons planning model

Appendix A

Appendix B

3 The Information Commons at the University of Calgary: building on collaboration – a case study

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

4 Building for learning: synergy of space, technology and collaboration

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

5 The Saltire Centre and the Learning Commons concept

6 Transforming library space for student learning: the Learning Commons at Ohio University’s Alden Library

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

7 Supporting the Learning Commons concept in ‘real life’

8 Putting learners at the centre: the Learning Commons journey at Victoria University

9 Improving student life, learning and support through collaboration, integration and innovation

10 The Information Commons at the University of Auckland; improving student life, learning and support through co-location, collaboration, integration and innovation

11 Beyond Facebook: thinking of the Learning Commons as a social network

Index